Three men in dock after Limewood disturbances

Three men have appeared in court following disturbances at Limewood in Banbridge last week.

Two men who were charged after the disturbance on Monday, June 20, have been further remanded in custody.

An array of edged weapons seized by police following a Monday morning disturbance in the Limewood area of Banbridge. The 10-pence coin gives an idea of the size of the blades.

Martin Gerard McDonagh (26), and John Stokes (23), both of Oak Grove, Banbridge, appeared by way of videolink at the local magistrates court last Thursday.

McDonagh is accused of four charges. The first alleges that on June 20 he was in possession of a pick axe handle with intent to commit assault occasioning actual bodily harm

He is also charged with assaulting a male causing him actual bodily harm, disorderly behaviour and possession of an offensive weapon, a machete.

Stokes is charged with five offences. The first alleges that without lawful excuse he damaged a Mitsubishi Grandis intending to damage such property.

He is also charged with disorderly behaviour, the theft of ignition keys, common assault on a female and possession of an offensive weapon, a slash hook.

A public prosecutor said that this was a very recent matter and a full file was required.

She asked for an adjournment until July 21. Both defendants were remanded in custody by way of videolink until July 21.

A third man appeared separately on charges linked to the Limewood incident.

Stephen Stokes (21), Dunloe Drive, Navan, County Meath, pleaded guilty to five offences when he appeared at the same court.

He admitted three charges of possession of an offensive weapon, namely a machete type bladed weapon, a curved blade instrument and an extendable baton.

Stokes also pleaded guilty to two charges of having in his possession, without the authority of the Secretary of State, a weapon, namely incapacant spray, which was designed or adapted for the discharge of electricity or any noxious liquid or gas.

For each offence he was fined £100 and sentenced to five months in custody, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy.

A barrister representing Stokes said he was on the passive side on this occasion.

He explained that the others had come after him and there was no suggestion he had used the weapons.

The barrister said he had them in his possession for a defensive purpose. His girlfriend’s house had been attacked and he had these weapons to scare off these people who were attacking his family.